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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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1.0 


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11.25  ll  1.4 


146 


I^iotDgraphic 

Sciences 

Corporalion 


23  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WItSTIR.N.Y.  USM 

(716)172-4903 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHJVI/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


w, 


Tachnical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Notas  tachniquaa  at  bibliographiquas 


Tha  Instituta  has  anamptad  to  obtain  tha  bast 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faaturas  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographically  unlqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  Imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  aignificantly  changa 
tha  usual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


□    Colourad  covars/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 


I      I   Covars  damagad/ 


D 


D 


D 


y 


D 


D 


Couvartura  andommagAa 


Covars  rastorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  rastaur6a  at/ou  palliculAa 


I — I    Covar  titia  missing/ 


La  titra  da  couvartura  manqua 


I      I   Colourad  maps/ 


Cartas  giographiquas  9n  coulaur 

Colourad  ink  (i.a.  othar  than  blua  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  coulaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  blaua  ou  noira) 


I      I   Colourad  platas  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planchas  at/ou  illustrations  an  coulaur 

Bound  with  othar  matarial/ 
Rail*  avac  d'autras  documonts 

Tight  binding  may  causa  shadows  or  distortion 
along  intarior  margin/ 

La  ro  liura  sarria  paut  causar  da  I'ombra  ou  da  la 
distortion  la  long  da  la  marga  IntAriaura 

Blank  laavas  addad  during  rastoration  may 
appaar  within  tha  taxt.  Whanavar  possibla.  thasa 
hava  baan  omittad  from  filming/ 
II  sa  paut  qua  cartainas  pagas  blanchas  ajoutias 
lors  d'una  rastauration  apparaissant  dans  la  taxta. 
mais,  lorsqua  Cbia  Atait  possibla,  cas  pagas  n'ont 
pas  AtA  fiimAas. 

Additional  commants:/ 
Commantairas  supplAmantairas: 


L'Instltut  a  microfilm*  la  maillaur  axamplaira 
qu'il  lui  a  M  possibla  da  sa  procurar.  Las  details 
da  cat  axamplairu  qui  sont  paut-Atra  uniquas  du 
point  da  vua  bibliographiqua.  qui  pauvant  modifier 
una  imaga  raproduita,  ou  qui  pauvant  axiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mithoda  normola  da  filmage 
sont  indiqute  ci-dassous. 


□   Colourad  pagas/ 
Pagaa  da  coulaur 


y 


y 


n 


Pagas  damagad/ 
Pagas  andomms'tgias 


□    Pagas  rastorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Pagas  rastaurAas  at/ou  pallicultes 

r~7|   Pagas  discolourad,  stainad  or  foxad/ 


Pagas  d4color6as.  tachatias  ou  piquies 

Pagas  datachad/ 
Pagas  dttachias 


Showthrough/ 
Transparanca 


r~~1    Quality  of  print  varias/ 


Quality  in^gala  da  I'imprassion 

Includas  supplementary  material/ 
Comprand  du  material  suppi^mantaira 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Mition  disponible 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  hava  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiallement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  M  fiimies  A  nouveau  da  fapon  A 
obtanir  la  maiileure  image  possible. 


This  Item  is  filmed  at  tha  reduction  ratio  chackad  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  da  rMuction  indiqu*  ci-dassous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

XX 

7 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


I 

itaiis 
I  du 
lOdifier 
'  une 
mage 


The  copy  fllmad  h«r«  has  b««n  r«produc«d  thanks 
to  the  ganarosity  of: 

Douglas  Library 
Quean's  University 

The  imagae  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contrect  specifications. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  end  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illuetrated  Impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  -^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  ▼  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


L'exemplaire  filmi  fut  reprodult  grAce  A  la 
gAnAroeitA  de: 

Douglas  Library 
Queen's  University 

Lee  Images  suiventes  ont  At*  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
de  la  nettetA  de  l'exemplaire  flimA,  et  en 
conformitA  avec  ies  conditions  du  contrat  de 
flimage. 

Lea  exemplalres  orlginaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
pepler  eet  ImpiimAe  sent  flimAs  en  commen^ant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  termlnent  soit  par  la 
darnlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impreesion  ou  d'lilustratlon,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  ies  autres  exemplalres 
orlginaux  sent  filmAs  en  commen9ant  par  la 
pramlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'liiustration  et  en  termlnent  par 
la  dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  dee  symboies  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
dernlAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  seion  le 
cas:  le  symbols  — »>  signifie  "A  SUiVRE",  le 
symbols  ▼  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  et 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  In  cf«e  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hend  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  Illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  csrtes,  plenches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmAs  A  dss  taux  de  rAduction  diff Arents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reprodult  en  un  seui  ciichA,  11  est  filmA  A  partir 
de  i'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  geuche  A  droite, 
et  de  heut  en  bas,  en  prenent  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessalre.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
iilustrent  la  mAthode. 


irrata 
to 


pelure, 
n  h 


U 

32X 


12  3 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

i>^ 


«f**r 


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sm} 


C  A  T  E  C  a^  S 


DESIGNED  PORTHBYOJJNa 


if" 


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IN  THE 


'■«♦' 


*J, 


iSELICAL   LUTHERAN 


CHURCHES, 


IHTBB 


EASTERN  DISTRICT,  C.  W. 


-^-^          BY  THE  REV.  W.  SHARTS.                  ^:  f 

WiLLIAMSBURGH,  C.  W., 

1846. 

■  &a 

Printed  at  the  Frontier  Sentinel  Offlce 

Ogdensburghf  N,  Y, 

/2672'?/ 


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* 

PART  I 


THE  TEN  COMMA^DMENTSk 


( 


I.  I  aih  the  Lord  thy  God.     Thou  shalt  haye  Ao  ^^ 
rods  before  me. 

n.  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  hniase,  or 
le  likenesf  Of  any  thing.that  is  in  heaveo  tibove,  t>r  that  is 
|n  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  ^ater  under  th® 
»arth :  Thoit  dlialt  not  bow  down  thyself  to  them,  nor  s^rVe 
Iheof  I'jibr  rUie  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealotta  Qod,  vii^ng 
fthe  imiiuitids  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  tbira 
iJiMitth  generation  of  them  that  hate  me,  and  showing 
)r<^  niito  thousands  of  them  that  1^^  me  ajp^  l^p  itiy 
intluiR^iQents. 

in.  T&on  shalt  net  take  the  name  ofthe  L^.  %  Qod 
vail  i  ht  the  Lord  witt  ndt  hdld  him  guotiets  tSat  ta- 
ei^  Jiliiame  itt  vain. 

llefliier.berUke  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  liofyi    BU 
'l^ou  labor  and  cb  all  th^  work^^  buf  ihe  s^venrh 
^  Sfihbath  of  the  Lofd  iky  Cod.    In  it  ^Mi  shalt : 
^lliwP#|ic:  thou,  nor fhy80h,iuMr!div^^Her,% 
lAHSe^linB^  nor  thy  maid-servant,  n^^pmtilm  fhe 
I4|M^'^ is  within  thy  gatK    FtSJtm  mda^^i^Ut^ 
#1i6a^en  and  earth,  the  sea.  and  atl  that  m  1^1nb  % 
Vl^«b?d  the  seventh  day  j  wherefaire  ih$  |^4,a^Mr 
Sallbath  day  and  hallowed  it  >        ^^ 

^.  BoQor  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  that  jj^  Acts  my, 
\9  lo^  iipon  the  land  which  the  Lotdmv  G^Akit^m  th^e.: 

'  Tl.  3N^o^  siuiit  not  kar.  ^^^ 

YII.  7hou  shalt  not  commit  adultery.     > 

VII t  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX.  ThOu  shalt  not  bear  false  wi^zMissiiM^iKi 


.4l« 


X  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neWh^^f  | 
ft  covet  thy  iieighbor's  wife,  ^lis  rtian-L 
wd-^rvam,  ner  his  ox,  nor  hit  asa^  irbr  «(iy  i 
ly«eighboi's. 


rr  .i*5*r; 


tllE  APOSTOLIC  CREED. 


Article  I. 

t  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  mtiker  of  heairen 
Vlld  earth.a 

Article  11.  * 

And  HI  Jesus  Chi ist,  his  only  son,  our  Lord  5;  who 
was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Ma- 
ry, c  suflTered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  (2  was  crucified.g  dead 
and  buried/  He  descended  into  he!l  \^  the  third  day  he 
aro^e  again  from  the  dead  \h  ascended  into  heaven,  and 
nitleth  at  the  riglit  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty,! 
frozn  theqce  h6  shall  come  to  judge  the  quipkand  the  deatij 
*  Article  lit 

I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost  \k  the  holy  Catholic  (Uni 
Versal)  church  \l  the  communion  of  6aints,m  the  forgivnesa 
of  sins ;»  the  resurrection  of  the  body/i  and  the  lieeverlas- 
tiag.p  .  Amen. 

THE  lord's    PRATEm. 

[  Out  Father  who  art  in  heaven  ;  Hallowed  be  thy  Ji^tsie, 
;Tiiy  kingdom  come;  Thy  wilt  be  done  on .  earth,  as.  in 
heayen  ;  Qlive  us  this  dny  our  daily  bread  ;  And,jrorgive| 
lis  our  trespasses  as  we  forgive  those  who  trespass  again^f 
us  ;  And  lead  us  notinto  temptation  ;  But  deliver  us  fro 
'evil.j  For  thine  is  tue  klngdiim^  and  the  power,  and  th^ 
i|lory  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

parFii 

j  .    Of  the  Sacrament  ;*      r 

Q.  What  is  a  sacrament  ? 

il.  A  st^crament  is  an  ordinance  appointed  of  God,  by! 

which  the  benefits  purchased  by  the   Snvior   are  not  on|y 

•yBD'bQlicnlly  represented  to  the  senses*  but  spiritual  blessinp 

'isalsdftctuuliy  confi^rred  on  those  who  iaithfullytisethefn.jj 

■■•        -    •  .         .^ L_.   _J ^ ^ I . ^ ■*  ■       ■ 


olsa.  44-6.  i  Cor.  8-6.  Acli  14-15.  Gen,  l^K  '  6Jfio.  iB-m'  Acts  11 
33  Jno.  l-l  ^  18.  cMath.  1-18  <&  25.  dLuke  23-24,25,32.  eJuo.  IS 
30-34.  /Math.  27-59-60.  c'Acts  2-31.  h  I  Cor.  15-4.  i  1  Pet.  3*2| 
jjaafh.  16-27.  Hno.  15-26.  Acts  5-3-4.  U  Cor.  12-13-  wiEph.  B-*^ 
fe30.    nEph.  1-7.    oJ no.  5-28.29.   pThess.  4-17.    f  Jno.  6-54,56. 


Q.  Jtow  many  sacraments  are  there  ? 

A.  Two  only.  ^ 

Q.   What  are  they  ?  ' 

A'  Baptism  &rtd  the  Lord's  Supper. 

Q.  By  whom  were  they  instituted  ? 

A.  By  Jesus  Christ  himstlf.5' 

Q,.   Why  were  they  instituted  ? 

it.  That  the  means  may  be  afforded  us  for  membership  in 
ps  visible  church  on  earih : — that  we  may  remember  for- 
]bly  the  pnssion  of  our  bl'ssed  Lord : — be  redcf  med  from 
^e  power  of  death  and  the  devil: — receive  such'  blessings 

can  be  imparted  to  us  in  the  sacraments  only,  and  to  be- 
)me  fitted  for  heaven.r  a 

Q  Is  it  not  then  necessary  to  salvation^  thit  all  persons 
\'possihle^  have  these  sacraments  administered  to  them'i 

A.  It  iS)  and  the  refusal  or  neglect  of  receiving  them 
lilt  undoubtedly  lead  to  the  loss  of  the  soul  s 

OP  BAPTISM. 

Q.   What  is  Baptism  ? 

A.  It  is  the  sprinklinof,  or  pouring  on  of  wrater  upon  a 
ftrson  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and   of 
le  Holy  Ghost,  by  which  such  person  u  admitted  a  mem- 
\r  of  Christ's  visible  church. 
Q.     What  is  essential Jor  Baptism  ? 
|il.     Wu*er,  and  the  names  of  the  Holy  Trinity  spoken 
)aratel}      Without  these  there  can  be  no  baptism.^ 
Q.   Wha>.  besides  this  is  necessary  in  Baptisml 
[A  A  possession  of  faith  in  Christ,  and  promises  to  Uve 
rodly   life  :  renouncing  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the 
;vil. 

)p..  As  infants  are  unable  to  do  these  thingSy  are  they 
proper  subjects  for  this  ordinance? 
They  are.M  , 

What  are  some  of  the  reasons  for  believing  ^u£t  it  is 
ler  that  infants  should  be  baptised  ? 

fst.  That  infants  were  admitted  into  the  ancient 

jttch  by  the  rite  of  circumcision.     2d.  That  we  jead  in 

ture  of  whole  households  being  baptised,  in   which  i| 

-  ^  ■  •     "     -  -- 

lath.  28-19.  Math.  SI6-26,28.    rJno.  6-54,67.    «tfark  16-16.  ^t^th 
'    uLuke  18-16. 


6  . 

is  probable,  and  cannot  be  disproved,  that  there  were  in-  I 
fanls.r  3d.  That  Jesus  Christ  says,  ^'suffer  the  little  children 
to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not ;  for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  God."  4th.  That  infant  baptism  was  practiced 
universally  by  the  church  from  the  times  of  the  Apostles 
for  at  least  fifteen  hundred  years.  5th.  That  the  house- 
holds, (and  which  undoubtedly  included  children,)  of  Lyd- 
ia,  of  Sthepbanus,  of  Cornelius,  and  of  the  jnilor  at  Phillip- 
pi,  were  baptised  upon  the  faith  of  the  parents. 

Q.  WhatfoUmcSj  as  a  necessary  consequence^  the  disbe- 
lief of  itUant  baptism? 

A.  The  denial  that  they  can  be  saved. 

Q.   What  are  the  advantages  of  baptism  ? 

A.  Union  with  Christ's  visible  church,  the  influences  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  assurance  of  God's  favor,  the  promise  of 
the  pardon  of  sin,  and  of  eternnF  life.t^' 

Q.  I'pon  what  does  it  depend  that  we  receive  and  enjoy 
these  advantages  ? 

A.  That  we  earnestly  strive  to  keep  the  promises  which 
were  made  at  our  baptism. 

Q.  Will  it  benefit  us  here  or  hereafter  if,,  after  we  have  ar- 
rived at  the  knowledge  of  our  duty,  we  do  not  fulfil  the.'cdutiesT 

A.  It  will  not. 


or  THE  lord's  supper. 

Q.  What  is  the  sacrament  of  the  Lords  Supper  ? 

A.  It  is  the  body  and  blood  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  un- 
der the  form  of  bread  and  mne.x 

Q,  Is  the  presence  of  Christ  in  this  sacrament  real  or  * 
spiritual. 

A>  Sp ritual. 

Q.  What  benefits  do  christians  receive  in  partaking  of 
tJds  sacrament? 

A'  The  assurance  of  the  pardon  of  sin,  of  life,  and  ofsal- 
raiion  ;  inward  comfort,  peace  and  happiness,  and  every 
spiritual  blessing.^  ^-^ 

Q.  Does  the  mere  eating  and  drinking  produce  these 
great  effects  ? 

A.  It  docs  not,  but  that  Eolemn   declaration,  "  which  is 


te 


dishe- 


ences  of 
smise  of 

id  enjoy 

DS  which 

have  ar- 
edutiesT 


#.  i 


brist,  un- 
i  rea/  or  * 


pvcn  and  shed  for  you,  for  the  remission  of  sins ;"    which 
yorda  besides  the  eating  and  drinking,  are  considered  us 

le  chief  thing  in  this  sacrament. 

Q.  What  is  necessary  thai  the  communicant  be  cniUled 
}j  and  receive  these  blessings  ? 

A.  That  he  partake  woithily.z 

Q.    What  is  it  to  partake  worthily  ? 

A.  To  eat  and  drink,  having  sincerely  repented  of  al' 

ir  sins,  and  forgiven  our  enemies ;  to  believe  that  Christ 
^ade  an  atonement  for  our  sins  upon  the  cross ;  to  view  the 

read  as  Christ's  body  broken  for  us*  and  the  wine  as  his 
|ood  shed  for  us,  and  to  resolve  to  live  and  die  his  dtvoted 

1  lower. 

Q.   What  is  it  to  partake  unworthily  ? 

A.  It  is  to  do  so  thoughtlessly  or  irreverently,  to  regard 
consecrated  elements  as  mere  bread  and  wiue,  to  be 

(stitute  of  laith  in  Christ ;  to  retain  anger,  or  malice  in 
heart ;  to  have  not  repented,  and  to  make  no  resolve  to 

re  a  christian  life. 

[^.    Will  we  receive  any  benefit  %fv>e  partaJce  unworthUy? 

A  We  will  not,  but  on  the  contrary  by  so  doing  our 

ndemnation  will  be  increased. 

Q.  Is  it  not  bindirkg  upon  all  christians  to  partake  of  the 

ly  sacrament  as  often  as  they  have  the  opportunity  ? 

A.  It  is.a 

}Q.  What  are  the  only  valid  excuses  for  not  dc^ngso  .^ 

\A.  Positive  inability  to  attend  church  wh^a  U  is  adi|iJia^ 

'jred. 

OP  CONPIEMATION, 

What  is  confirmation  ? 

It  is  the  ceremony  of  admitting  persons   to  the  foil 
jvilewes  of  the  church. 

What  qualifications  are  necessary  for  those  who  pur- 
to  receive  this  ordinance  ? 

That  they  understand  ihe  nature  of  those  promise* 
\yill  be  required  to  make  ;  thatlhey  have  a  knowledge 
leir  duties  to  God,  to  their  neighbor,  and  to  themselves : 
ih  -y  exercise  repentance  nnd  faith  in  tho  Lord  Jesus 
irisr,  «nd  willingly  resolve  to  C(»ns?cit3te  their  whole  lives 


to  tho  service  of  ihe  Lord. 

Q.  What  are  the  peculiar  advanfages  of  confirmation  f 
A*  The  renewal  of  all  the  blessings  of  the  christian  cov- 
enant made  at  their  baptism ;  a  testimony  of  God's  favor  and 
goodness  to  them  in  granting  them,  through  his  ministers, 
all  the  privileges  of  church  membership;  and  confers  upon 
them  more  especial  grace  to  encounter  all  spiritual  enemies, 
and  to  preform  their  christian  duties. 

Q.  Li  what  does  conrfimalion  differ  from  baptism  9 
A.  By  baptism  we  are  indeed  admitted  into  the  church, 
but  not  to  all  its  privileges  ;  for  instance,  to  that  of  parta- 
king  of  the  Lord's  supper.  Infants,  by  baptism,  are  dedi. 
cated  to  the  Lord  by  their  parents  or  sponsors.  In  confir- 
mation, we  devote  ourselves  to  his  service.  Wo  then  re- 
r>ew  and  assume  personally  the  promises  made  at  our  bap- 
tism, and  in  addition  enter  into  others  corresponding  with 
the  increase  of  our  obligations  and  our  privileges. 

Q.  Frovi  whence  do  we  derive  the  practice  of  confirmation') 
A.  F;om  the  examples  of  the  Apostles,    and  the  custom 
of  the  early  christian  church. d 

OP  PREPARATION  FOR  THE  LORD's  SUPPER. 

Q.  What  is  meant  by  the  preparatory  service^  or  pxepar- 
ationjor  the  Lord!s  Supper  ? 

A.  Those  services  in  which  the  church  directs  her  mem- 
bers to  engage  a  short  time  previous  to  the  dispensing  of 
the  holy  sacrament. 

Q.    What  is  the  object  of  these  services  ? 

A.  That  we  may  become  rightly  prepared  to  partake  of 
the  Lord's  Supper  through  the  means  which  are  then  used. 

Q.   What  are  the  means  ? 

A.  Directions  and  exhortations  to  self-examination  and 
to  repentance  ;  confession  of  sins  ;  profession  of  faith 'in 
Cbiist;  desire^ex pressed  to  be  delivered  from  sin,  and  to 
partake  of  God*s  mercy  to  the  penitent;  resolves  formed, 
depending  upon  the  aid  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  the  future  to 
EYoid  all  manner  of  evil,  to  walk  circumspectly  before  God, 
end  to  follow  after  holiness ;  and  finally,  the  declaration  of 
the  absolution  of  sins  to  the  truly  penitent. 

Mcts  8-14,17.  1  Cor.  12-28,30.  Heb.  6-1,2. 


*%jft 


Ian 


nalion  f 
stian  cov- 
favor  and 
ministers?, 
fers  upon 
1  enemies, 

mf 

B  church, 
of  parta. 
are  dedi- 
[n  confir- 
I  then  re- 
t  our  bap- 
ling  with 

firmaiionl 
he  custom 


07'  prepar- 

her  mem- 

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partake  of 
then  used. 

lation  and 
if  faith 'in 
in,  and  to 
ts  formed, 
e  future  to 
)t  fore  God, 
laiation  of 


0 

Q.  May  not  a  pcrsm  be  really  prepared  and  worthily 
mriake  of  the  Holy  sactamcnl  without  using  these   means/ 

A.  Certainly  not  without  previous  sclf-cxaminaiioii,  con- 
ression  of  sins,  profession  of  faith  in  Bhrist,  and  resolutions 
^o  endeavor, tor th(5  future,  to  avoid  occasions  of  sin;  and 
IS  these  confessions  and  resolutions  should  be  made  in 
public,  as  well  for  the  purpose  of  giving  them  more  weight 
Ind  solemnity,  of  satisfying  our  conscience,  and  of  confer- 
ling  to  the  usages  of  the  church,  as  to  give  to  the  minister 
m  evidenceofour  fitness  to  partake  of  the  holy  sacrament;  fo 
ihould  we  use  these  means  in  the  way  and  manner  required. 

Q.  What  may  be  the  consequence  to  thof^e  who  purposely 
tegiext  or  refuse  to  comply  with  this  requirement  of  the 
Miurch  f 

A,  The  minister  is  authorized  to  lefuse  to  such  the  priv- 
5ge  of  partaking  of  the  holy  sacrament. 

OF   THE  CHURCH. 

Q.   What  is  the  visible  church  of  Christ  upon  earth, 

imonly  called  The  Church  ? 

A*  Ii  is  the  collective  body  of  those  who  profess  the  chris- 
Ian  religion,  consisting  of  all  those  who  have  been  admit- 
'»d  to  membership  by  baptism,  and  have  not  been  deprived 
"it  by  excommunication. 

Q.    Who  was  the  founder  of  the  church  ? 

A,  God  himself  • 

Q.  God  being  the  founder  of  the  churchy  is  it  not  the  du» 

of  every  one  to  unite  with  it  ? 

A.  It  is  undoubtedly. 

Q.   What  are  the  p  mers  that  belong  to  the  church  P  '  ^ 

A.  Thej^  are  1st.  of  preaching;  2d.   of  public  prayer  ; 

\.  of  baptism  ;  4th.  of  celebrating  the  Lord's  Supper; 
Ih.  of  confirming  persons  baptized  ;  6th.  of  ordaining  min- 
lers  ;  7th.  of  making  laws  for  the  goveriiatice-dfher 
^embers;  8th.  of  excommunication  ;    9ih.j)f  demanding 

aintenance. 

Q.   Whois  the  supreme  head  of  the  church? 

A.  Jesus  Christ.c 

Q.  Who  are  his  representatives  on  earth  to  whom  are 

njided  the  care  of  the  church  ? 


»Eph.  5-23. 


10 

A.  Lawfully  called,  and  regularly  ordained   ministers.^ 

Q.  What  are  the  various  bodies  of  Christians  termed, 
which  have  each  their  distinctive  forms  of  church  Govern' 
ment  <J*c  ? 

A.  Branches  of  Christ's  church. 

Q.  Is  it  possible  for  any  one  body  of  Christians  ;  for 
any  particular  branch  of  Christ's    church  to  be  the    one 

ONLY  TRUE    CHURCH  ? 

A.  It  is  not. 

d.  HoiD  may  a  true  branch  of  Christ* s  church  be  known  ? 

A.  A  true  branch  of  Christ's  church,  is  a  particular  de- 
nomination of  christians — by  whatsoever  name  they  may 
be  called,  in  >\ihich  the  sacraments  are  duly  administered 
by  a  lawful  person  ;  which  admits  the  fundamental  doc- 
trines of  Christianity  as  taught  in  the  Apostolic  creed ;  which 
neither  takes  away,  nor~^adds  to  God's  holy  word;  and 
which  insifts  upon  nothing  as  essential  to  salvation  which 
the  Bible  has  not  declared  to  be  so. 

OF  THE  EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN  CHURCH. 


Q.  From  whence  is  the  name  of  this  our  church  derived  ? 

A.  It  is  termed  Evangelical ;  because  it  revived  the 
Gospel ;  that  is,  of  the  doctrine  of  salvation  for  mankind 
only  through  the  merits  of  Christ,  when  it  was  smothered 
by  superstition ;  and  "  Lutheran  "  from  the  great  reformer 
Martin  Luther  who  in  the  16th  century,  first  dissipated  the 
clouds,  which  obscured  the  gospel. 

Q.    When  may  its  commencement  be  dated  ? 

A,  In  the  year  1520,  when  pope  Leo  X.  expelled  Lu- 
ther and  his  adherents  from  the  bo^om  of  Romish  church. 

Q.    When  did^it  acquire  a  stable  form  and  consistency  ? 

A.  In  the  year  1530,  when  the  public  confession  of  its 
faith  was  drawn  up,  and  was  presented  to  the  diet  of  Augs- 
burg. 

Q.  Wliai  is  the  name  of  the  confession  in  which  (he  doc- 
irines  of  our  church  arc  set  forth  ? 

j4.   Tha  Augsburg  Confession. 

Q,.  Arc  we  bound  to  biliece  eccry  scntiinod  contained  in 
this  confession  ? 


knoum  ? 
liar  de- 
jy  may 
nistered 
al  doc. 
;  which 
rd ;  and 
1  which 


erived  ? 
ved  the 
nankind 
kothered 
eformer 
ated  the 


led  Lu- 
church. 
istoicy  ? 
on  of  its 
af  Augs- 

,  (he  doc- 


aincd  in 


a 

A.  We  are  not ;  but  that  the  fundamental  doctrines  of 
the  word  of  God,  are  taught  in  it  in  a  manner  substantial' 
iy  correct. 

Q,  What  is  about  the  number  of  christians  in  the  world 
who  profess  the  Augsburg  Confession  ? 

A.  About  ivventy-eight  millions. 

d.  Is  our  church  bound  to  any  particular  form  of  chunk 
\govemment  and  discipline  1 

A.  It  is  not ;  and  as  neither  our  Savior  nor  his  apostles 
ihavc  prescribed  any  exact  and  entire  form  ot  Government 
land  Discipline  for  the  church,  we  conceive  ourselves  at 
lliberty  to  adopt  such  forms  as  circumstances  may  require. 
}  Qt.  What  are  the  principal  characteristics  in  that  form  of 
^otcrnMeiU  which  has  been  adopted  by  the  church  in  Amer- 
^cal 

Jl    A.  They  are  1st.  Equality  of  ministers;  2d.  Coopera- 

j|tion  of  ruling  elders  as  representativesof  the  church  ;  3d. 

I^Jnion  of  the  churches  within  the  limits  of  a  synod  lor  the 

Regular  purposes  of  review  and  government ;  4th.  An  ad- 

f"  isory  union  of  all  the  different  synods  in  one  General  Syn*- 
d. 
r    d.   What  officers  have  we  m  the  church  ? 

A.  We  have,  1st.  Ministers  ;  2d.  Eliers ;  3d.  Dea- 
cons ;  and  to  these  are  sometimes  added  Trustees  or  church- 
"IVardens. 

OF  THE  CHRISTIAN  MINISTRY 


d.    What  is  the  Christian  Ministry  ? 

A.  It  is  that  sacred  office  which  was  instituted  by  our 
lessed  Savior  for  (he  purpose  of  perpetuating  and  extending 
Is  church  Upon  earth,  and  that  various  duties  therein  might 

lawfully  performed. 
^  Ql    Who  may  lawfully  exercise  this  office  ? 
,,  A.  Such  as  are  inwardly  called  of  God ;  e   and  have 
wen  reguarly  ordained  or  licensed  for  the  office  by  a  chris- 
^n  church  ;  th;it  is,  through  her  ministers./ 
■^Q..  How  do  the  Holy  Scriptures  instruct  us  to  regard 

ristian  ministers? 

A.  As  the  represv^ntatives  o^tho  Most  High ;  as  steward.^ 


1-2 

of  the  mys!eiies  of  God  ;  as  the  dispenser,    f  his  holy  word 

find   sjicranunis,  as  the  mes.-engtrs    and  ambassadors  of 

Christ,  g 

'^*'Q,.  Are  there  different  ronJcs  or  grades  in  the  ministfy  ? 

A.  Tlu-re  are  r;ot ;  but  by  divine  appointment  all  minis- 
ters are  of  equui  rank,  h 

Q,.   What  are  the  princifal  duties  of  ministers? 

A.  They  are  to  preach  ihe  gospel  of  oi)r  Lord  .Teisus 
Christ,  to  administer  ihe  sacraments,  to  admonish  men  of 
their  duties,  and  by  all  proper  means  to  edify  ll  e  cburch 
of  Christ. 

Q.  Are  teamen  aT/owed  to  exercise  the  office  of  the  mihis- 
try? 

A.  Tiiey  are  not,  but  on  the  contrary  are  expressly  for. 
bidden  in  scripture  to    do  so  i 

Q.  y^hat  are  ministers  authorized  from  God^s  holy  word 
to  require  of  their  people  7 

A.  Obedience  to  ihcir^aulhority,  and  ti  decent  and  hon- 
orable support  j 

Gl.    What  duties  do  the  people  owe  to  their  pastors  ? 

A.  To  honor  and  esteem,  respect  and  revere  them  high- 
,ly  for  their  work's  sake;k  to  assist  them  in  difficulties  ;  to 
vindicate  their  repu.atioiis;  and  to  aid  them  by  thoir  ear- 
nest prayers./ 

OF  THE  MEANS  OF  GRACE. 


'^  Q.   What  are  means  of  grace  ? 

A.  Means  of  grace  are  all  those  things  which  have  a 
tendency  to  impress  the  mind  with  divine  truth,  and  in 
the  right  use  of  which  we  have  reason  to  expect  the  in. 
fluence  of  the  holy  spirit. 

Q.   Which  are  the  principal  of  these  means  ? 

A,  Preaching,  reading  of  the  lio'y  scriptures,  prayers 
and  th6  sacraments./n  To  these  may  be  added  likewise, 
self-examination,  calechization,  and  confirmation. 

Q.   What  will  the  faithful  use  of  these  means  produce  ? 

A'  The  requisite  changes  in  us   which  are   necessary 

g  1  Cor.  4-1.  1  Cor.  16-16.  2 Cor.  5-20.  AMatli.  23-9.  tl  Cor.l  4-34. 
1  Tim.  2-11, 12.  ^Heb.  13-17  1  Tim.  5-17, 18.  1  Cor,  9-14.  ^1  Thens. 
5-17, 18,    /I  Thess.  5-25.    ml.  Cor.  1-21.  2  Tim.  3  14, 16.  Math.  21-22. 


:  mihis- 
sly  for- 
Jy  word 
nd  hon- 

7 

• 

n  high- 
les  ;  to 
sir  ear- 


have  a 
and  in 
,hc   in- 


)royers 
ewisC) 

oduce  ? 
jessarv 

)r.  14-34. 

1  Th«'8s. 

■h.  21-22. 


to  salvation. 

Q.  Is  there  a  possiblHly  of  our  becoming  true  christians  of 
having  the  as9urance  of  the  pardon  of  ovr  sins,  and  the 
promise  of  eternal  Itfe,  without  the  use  of  means  ? 

A»  There  is  not  such  a  possibility,?! 

OF  THE  CONDITIONS  OF  SALVATION. 


Q.   What  do  we  mean  hy  the  conditions  of  salvation  ? 
A.  VVe  mean  ihose  conditions  or  terms  as  made  known 
to  us  in  the  gospel,  with  which  all  must   comply    to   ob- 
tain salvation. 

Q.    What  are  tlie  conditions  ?  , 

A.  1st.  That  we  truly  repent  of  oil  sin.o 
2d.   That  we  believe  in  Jesus  Christ  as  our  Savior  p 
3d.  That  we  sincerely   endeavor  (o    lead   a  christian 
life,  and  to  obey  all  the.  commands  of  God.j/ 

OF  A   NEW  LIFE.  ... 


Q.   What  is  conversion  ? 

A.  It  is  that  change  which  the  sinner  experiences  by 
which  he  becomes  a  new  creature  in  Christ. 

Q.  By  what  other  names  is  their  change  called  in  the 
scrip! urt  ? 

A.  Thu^ofihenew  birth,  and  of  regeneration. 

Q.  In  what  does  this  change  consist  ? 

A.  In  a  turning  with  the  heart  from  the  love  and  prac- 
tice of  sin,  to  the  love  ai^d  practice  of  holiness,  and  in  be- 
t^m  coming  perfectly  conforrned  to  the  image  of  Christj.^  , 

Q.  Is  this  change  instantaneous  ? 

A.  It  is  instantuneous  so  far  that  there  mpst  be  a  P^jntt 

^0  moment  wheq  our  affections  turn  from  o/ie  object  19  an- 

other  ;  that  is,   from   sin  to   holiness.     But    the    enpife 

i:hange  that  is,  the  turning  of  the    whole   faculties  and 

powers  of  the  soul  to  Christ,  is  not  instantaneous;  inas. 

'much  as  the  sciipturcs  teach  us  that  we  are    regenerated 

through  the  use  of  mcans.r  and  these  must  of  necessity 

fbe  gradual. 


1 


nRom.  10-13, 14.    oActs  3-14.    pActs  16-31.    oMath.  10-22.  Rev.  2- 
10.    rJameel-ia.  IPet.  1-23. 


14 

Q,  Is  it  always  possible  to  know  the  precise  time  when 
this  change  commenced  f 

A,  It  is  not,  and  particularly  with  tho.so  who  have   cn< 
joyed  religioui  instruction  from  their  youth- 

Q.   Wliat  are  the  evidences  of  this  change  ? 

A.  A  supreme  love  to  God  and  an  earnest  desire  to 
obey  him.  and  a  loYe  to  tho  brethren  5 

Q.   What  is  justification? 

A.  It  is  that  act  of  mercy  by  which  we  are  declared 
to  be  entitled  to  the  benefit  of  the  Savior's  death. 

Q.   What  are  these  henefiis  ? 

A.  The  remission  of  the  punishment  due  to  our  sin9, 
a  ritrht  to  eternal  life  and  all  the  aid  necessary  to  attain  it. 

Q.  How  do  we  obtain  justification  ? 

A.  Not  by  our  own  good  vvoiks  or  merits,  but  through 
the  merits  of  Christ  which  afe  imparted  to  us  upon  our  at- 
taining a  living  fuith  in  him. 

Q.  How  may  we  know  that  we  are  justified  before  God  ? 

A.  By  this;  if  v\re  sincerely  repent  of  our  sins,  feel  the 
imperfection  of  our  best  works,  rely  wholly  for  salvation 
upon  the  merits  of  Christ,  and  devote  our  souls  and  bod. 
ies  to  his  service,  then  have  we  the  assurance  that  we  iare 
thus  justified. 

Q.  /*  it  possible  for  christians  to  fall  from  this  slate  of 
jttstification  ? 

A.  It  is,  as  is  evident  from  examples  recorded  in  scrip- 
ture as  well  as  from  the  warnings  given  therein  td  chris- 
tians to  take  heed  lest  they  faW.t 

Q.   What  is  sanctification  ? 

A.  Sanctification  is  the  state  of  being  freed  from  the 
power  of  sin  or  a  progressive  conformity  to  the  divine 
law. 

Q.  By  whose  agency  are  believers  sanctified  ? 

A.  The  holy  spirit,  operating   through   the  means    ofj 
grace. u 

Q.  Can  btlievers  become   entirely  sanctified^  that  is  ,  k  \ 
wholly  free  from  sin  and  perfectly  holy,  in  this  life  ? 

A.  They  cannot,  as  is  plainly  evident  from  several 
declarations  of  scripture,v  as  well  as  fbom  the  fact  tha  t  we 

si  Jno.  4-7.  1  Jno.  5-2.  IJno.  3-14.  t\  Cor.  10  12.  Rom.  Il-20l 
Ezek.  18-24.    uRom.  15-16:    rl  Jno.  1-8.  Ja.  3-2.  Rom.  4-18. 


15 

are  taught  by  the  Savior  himself  to  implore  pardon  for 
our  daily  offance^jW  of  which  there  would  be  no  necessity 
h»d  we  committed  no  ofTunce,  and  besides,  if  we  could  at- 
tain to  a  state  of  perfection  on  earth,  we  would  no  longer 
need  the  daily  application  to  the  blood  of  the  Savior  ;  but 
might  be  justified  by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  and  take  the 
glory  to  ourselves. 

OF  THE  CONDITION   OF  THiiBOXJL  AFTER  DEATH. 


throiigh 
1  our  Ut- 

re  God  ? 
feel  the 
salvation 
ind  bod. 
it  we  iare 

$  stale  of 

in  scrip- 
0  chris- 


fibm   the    v^ 
le  divine    I 


Q.   Wliat  is  the  condition  of  the  soul  after  death  ? 

A.  The  soul  of  the  righteous  is  admiited  into  para- 
dise,a?  where  are  all  the  saints  enjoying  happiness  ;  and 
that  of  the  wicked  is  consigned  to  a  place  of  misery,  in 
company  with  lost  spirits,^  and  where  they  will  remain 
until  the  general  judgment. 

OF  THE  JUDGMENT- 


Q.   When  will  the  judgment  take  place  ? 

A.  At  the  end  of  the  world. 

Q.   Who  will  then  he  judged  ? 

A.  All  mankind,  both  good  and  bad. 

Q.  By  what  law  will  they  he  judged? 

A.  By  the  law  of  nature,  and  the  Bible.z 

Q,   Who  will  he  judged  hy  the  law  of  nature  ? 

A.  Those  who  have  had  no  revelation  of  God's  will. 

Q.    Who  will  he  judged  hy  the  Bihle  ? 

A.  Those  who  are  acquainted  with  God's  will  as  re- 
vealed in  the  Bible,  or  who  have  had  opportunities  to  be- 
come acquainted  with  it. 

Q.  For  what  will  we  he  judged  7 

A.  For  our  deeds  done  in  the  body  j  for  our  sins  both 
open  and  secret  ;  for  omissions  of  duty  ;  for  all  our  un- 
holy actions,  words,  and  thoughts.a 

Q.   What  will  he  the  doom  of  the  sinnev  ?   * 

A  Endless  torments.^ 

Q.   What  will  he  the  reward  of  the  righteous  ? 

A.  Endless  happiness.c 

icLuke,  11  4.    TLuke,  23-43.    yLiike,  16-23.  >Rora.  2-12.    aEccl, 
i  12-14.    6Math.  25-35.    cMath.25-46. 


i6 

SUI«IDRy  DUTIES. 


It  is  tho  duty  qf  parents  to  bring  up  their  children  in 
the  nurture  and  admonitibn  of  the  Lord  -yd  and  oi  child- 
ren tu  obey  their  parenjMyj  tho  Lord.e 

It  is  the  duty  of  husbanus  to  love  their  wives,  and  not 
to  be  biiter  against  them  ;f  and  of  wives  to  reverence 
nnd  be  in  subjection  to  their  husbands.^ 

It  is  the  duty  of  servants  to  do  service  with  good  will,  not 
to  puiioin,  but  toshQW  all  good  fidtlity.  A 

It  is  the  duty  of  neighbors  to  avoid  all  manner  of  strife^ 
to  live  peacaljly,  and  to  deal  justly  with  each  other.  »    .  ,  ; 

It  is  our  duty  to  respect  and  obey  the  laws  of  bur  coun> 
ity'ij  to  pray  for  the  king^and  all  in  authority  -jk  to  honor  our 
spiritual  and  other  teachers  and  to  follow  their  instructions.^ 

It  is  our  duty  to  relieve  the  wants  of  the  poor ;  to  succor 
the  distressed  ;  to  befriend  the  widow  and  orphan  ;4n  to  vis- 
it the  sick  and  sifflicted.Ti 

*It  is  our  duty  to  be  merciful  as  we  hope  for  mercy,©  to 
forgive  as  we  hope  to  be  furgiven;,^  not  to  retaliate,  but  to 
return  good  fore vi'i^  -- 

It  is  our  duty  to  avoid  covetousness  and  avarice,r  to  be 
coAtent  with  such  things  as  we  have,  to  preserve  a  good 
iiame^jr  to  be  diligent  in  bur  callinffirtQ  be  humble»  to  be 
p%f  e'rittf^'  to  be  teniperate  in  all  thmgs,  to  avoid  inrtproper 
places,  and  the  conversation  of  the  wkked^u  and  finally  to 
eecure  the  salvation  of  our  souls  without  delay .v 

PART  III. 

THE  AUGSBURG  CONFESSION. 


Article  I, 

OF  GOD. 

Ourchurciies  with  b^ne  accord  teach,  that  the  decree  of 
the  Council  of  Nice,  concerning  the  unity  of  the  divine  es- 
sence, and  concerning  the  three  persons,  is  true  an4  o^ght 
to  he  confidently  believed,  viz.  that  there  is  one  divine  es- 

rfEph.  6-4.  eEph6-l.  ./Col.  3-19.  ^1  Pet.  3-1.  AEph.  6-7.  iRom. 
12-18.  Heb.  2-7.  jRom.  13-1.  Al  Tim.  1-1,2,3.  /Heb.  13-7.  mPst 
41-1.  nJames  1-27.  oLuke  6-36.  pMath.  6-14.  oMath.  6-44.  rl 
Tim.  6-10.    «Heb.  13-5.    <Eph.4-28.    uPhil.  4-8.   ©Hjb.  313. 


ir 

86026,  which  19  called  and  is  God,  eternal,  incorpor6al,  in* 
divisible,  infinite  in  power,  wisdom  and  goodness,  the  Cre* 
ator  and  preserver  ofthings  visible  and  invisible;  and  3ret 
that  there  are  three  persons,  who^e  of  the  same  essence 
and  power,  and  are  coeternal,  theftther,  th«  Son,  and  the- 
Holy  Spirit.  And  the  term  person  they  use  in  the  same 
sense,  in  which  it  isempioyed  by  ecclesiastai  writers  on  this 
subject  to  signify  not  a  part  or  quality  of  something  else, 
but  that  which  exists  of  itself. 

Article  II. 

OF   NATURAL  DEPRAVJTY. 

Our  churches  likewise  teach,  that  since  the  fail  of  Adam, 
all  men  who  are  naturally  engendered,  are  born  with  a  de- 
praved nature,  that  is,  without  the  fearof  God  or  confidence 
towards  him,  but  with  sinful  propensities :  and  this  disease, 
or  natural  depravity,  is  really  sin,  and  still  condemns  and 
causes  etsernai  death  to  those,  who  are  not  born  again  by 
baptism  ai)d  the  Holy  Spirit. 

ArticUIIl 

OP  THE  SON  OF  GOD  (AND  BIS  MEDTATORIAL  WORK.) 

They  likewise  teach,  that  the  Word,  that  is  the  Son  of 
God,  assumed  human  nature,  in  the  womb  of  the  blessed 
virgin  Mary,  so  that  the  two  natures,  human  and  divine,  itir 
separably  united  in  one  person,  constitute  one  Christ, who  is 
true  God  and  man,  born  of  the  virgin  Mary  ;  who  truly^ 
suffered,  was  crucified,  died,  and  was  buried,  that  he  raiglll 
reconcile  the  Father  to  us,  and  be  a  sacrifice  not  only  for 
original  sin,  but  abo  for  all  the  actual  sins  of  men. 

He  likewise  descended  into  hell,  and  truly  arose  on  the 
the  third  day  ;  and  then  ascended  to  heaven,  that  he^H^lght 
sit  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Father,  might  perpetually^  rei^n 
ove|»'aU  creatures,  and  might  sanctify'  those  who  believe  m 
him,  by  sending  into  their  hearts  the  Holy  Spirit  who  ffov- 
ems,  consoles,  quickens  and  defends  them  against  the  devil 
and'  the  power  of  sin; 

The  same  Christ  will  return  again  openly,  that  he  mity 
judge  the  living  and  the  dead,  &c.  according  to  the  apoflh 
tolie  creed. 

ArHde  IV. 

OP  JUSTIFICATION. 

They  in  lilfe  n^anner  teach,  that  men  cannot  be  justifie<| 


Id 

before  God  by  their  own  strength,  merits,  or  works  ;  but 
that  they  are  justified  gratuitously  for  Christ's  sake,  through 
faith :  when  they  believe  they  are  received  wiih  favor, 
and  that  their  sins  are  remitted  on  account  of  Christ,  who 
made  satisfaction  for  ourtransgressions  by  his  death.  This 
faith  Qod  imputes  to  us  as  righteousness. 

Article  V. 

OF  THE  MINISTERIAL  OFFICE  (AND  MEANS  OF  ORACE. ) 

In  order  that  we  may  obtain  this  faith,  the  ministerial 
office  has  been  instituted,  whose  members  are  to  preach  th  c 
gospel  and  administer  the  sacraments. 

For  through  the  instrumentality  of  the  word  and  sacra- 
ments, as  means  of  grace,  the  Holy  Spirit  is  given,  who  in 
his  own  time  and  place,  produces  faith  in  those  who  heark- 
en to  tne  gospel  message  ;  namely  that  God,  for  Christ's 
sake,  and  not  on  account  of  any  merit  in  us,  justifies  those 
who  believe  in  Christ. 

Article  VL 

CONCERNING  NEW  OBEDIENCE,  (oR  A    CHRISTIAN  LIFE.) 

They  likewise  teach,  that  this  faith  must  bring  forth 
good  fruits ;  and  that  it  is  our  duty  to  perform  those  good 
works  which  God  has  commanded,  because  he  has  enjoin- 
ed them,  and  not  in  expectationof  thereby  meriting  justifi' 
cation  before  him. 

For  remission  of  sins  and  justification  are  secured  by 
faith  ;  as  the  declaration  of  Christ  himself  implies ;  "when 
ye  shall  have  done  all  those  things,  say, we  are  unprofi  table 
servants." 

Article  VII 

OF  THE  CHURCH. 

They  likewise  teach,  that  there  will  always  be  one  holy 
church.  The  church  is  the  congregation  of  the  saints,  An 
which  the  gospel  is  correctly  taught,  and  the  sacraments  are 
properly  administered. 

And  for  the  true  unity  of  the  church  nothing  more  is  re. 
quired,  than  agreement  concerning  the  doctrines  of  the 
gospel,  and  the  administration  of  the  sacraments. 

Nor  is  it  necessary,  that  the  same  human  traditions,  that 
13,  rites  and  ceremonies  instituted  by  men,  should  be  every 
whore  observed.  As  Paul  says  ;  *pi)d  faith,  one  baptism, 
pee  God  and  father  of  all,"  &c, 


19 

Article  VIII. 

WHAT  THE  CHURCH  IS. 

.  Although  the  church  is  properly  a  congregation  ot 
paints  nnd  true  be lievers  ;  yet,  as  in  the  present  life,  many 
hypocrites  and  wicked  men  are  with  them,  it  is  lawful  for 
us  to  receive  the  sacraments  when  administerd  by  uncon- 
verted, agreeably  to  the  declaration  of  our  Savior,  ''that  the 
Scribes  and  Pharisees  sit  in  Moses'  seat."  &c. 

Article  IX. 

OF  BAPTISM. 

Concerning  baptism,  our  churches  teach,  that  it  is  a  nec- 
essary ordinance,  that  it  is  a  means  of  grace,  and  ought  to 
be  administered  also  to  children,  who  are  thereby  dtdica- 
ted  to  Gjd  and  received  into  his  favor. 

Article  X. 

OP  THE    lord's  supper. 

In  regard  to  the  Lord's  supper  they  teach,  that  the  body 
and  blood  of  Christ  are  actually  present  under  the  emblems 
of  bread  and  wine ;  and  are  dispensed  to  the  communi- 
cants. 

Article  XL 

OP    CONFESSION. 

In  regard  to  confession  they  teach,  that  private  absolu. 
tion  ought  to  be  retained  in  the  churches  ;  but  that  an  enu- 
meration of  all  our  transgressions  is  not  requisite  in  confes- 
sion. For  this  is  an  impossibility,  according  to  the  decla- 
ration of  the  Psalmiit ;  "Who  can  understand  his  errors  ?" 

Article  XII. 

OP  REPENTANCE. 

Concerning  repentance  they  teach,  that  those  who  have 
relapsed  into  sin  after  baptism,  may  at  any  time  obtain  p^r. 
|,   don,  when  they  repent ;  and  that  the  church  ought  to  grant 
absolution  to  such  as  manifest  repentance. 

But  repentance  properly  consists  of  two  parts.  The  one 
is  contrition  or  dread  on  account  of  acknowledged  sin. — 
The  other  is  faith,  which  is  produced  by  the  gospel,  or  by 
means  of  absolution ;  which  believes  that  pardon  for  sin  is 
bestowed  for  Christ's  sake;vvhich  tranquilizes  the  conscience 
I  and  liber-iicsit  from  fear.  Such  repentance  must  be  suc- 
ceeded by  good  works  as  its  fruits. 
They  condenin  the  doctrine  of  such  as  deny,  thatiho^c 


20 
who  have  once  been  justified,  niav  lose  the  Holy  Spirit^ 
In  like  manner  those  who  contend,  that  some  persons  attain 
so  high  a  degree  of  perfection  in  this  life,  that  they  cannot 
sin.  They  reject  also  those,  who  are  unwilling  to  absolve 
such  as  have  backslidden  after  baptism,  even  if  they  re- 
pent; as  also  those  who  teach  that  remission  of  sins  is  not 
obtained  through  faith;  but  require  us  to  merit  grace  by 
our  good  works. 

Article  XIIL 

OF  THE  USE  OF  THF,  SACRAMENTS. 

Concerning  the  use  of  the  sacraments,  our  churches 
teach,  that  they  were  instituted  not  only  as  marks  of  chris- 
tian profession  amongst  men  ;  b|Ut  rather  as  signs  and  ev- 
idences of  the  divine  disposition  towards  us,  tendered  ibr 
the  purpose  of  exciting  and  confirming  the  faith  of  those 
who  use  them. 

Hence  the  sacraments  ought  to  be  received  with  faith  in 
the  promises  which  are  exhibited  and  proposed  by  them. — 
They  therefore  condemn  those,  who  maintain,  that  the  sac- 
raments produce  justification  in  their  recipients  as  a  matter 
of  course,  and  who  do  not  teach  that  faith  is  necessary,  in 
ihe  reception  of  the  sacraments,  to  the  remission  of  sins. 

Article  XIV, 

OF  CHURCH  ORDERS.     . 

Concerning  church  orders,  they  teach;  that  no  person 
ought  publicly  to  teach  in  the  church,  or  to  administer  the 
sacraments,  without  a  regular  call. 

Article  XV. 

OF  RELIGIOUS  CEREMONIES 

Concerning  ecclesiastical  ceremonies  they  teach,  that 
those  ceremonies  ought  to  be  observed,  which  can  be  at- 
tended to  without  sin,  and  which  promote  peace  and  good 
order  in  the  church,  such  as  certain  holy -days,  festivals, 
&c.  Concerning  matters  of  this  kind  however,  caution 
should  be  observed,  lest  the  consciences  of  men  be  burden- 
ed,  as  though  such  observances  were  necessary  to  salva- 
tion. Men  should  also  be  apprised  that  human  traditionary 
observances,  iijstituted  with  a  view  to  appease  God,  to  mer- 
it his  favor,  and  make  satisfaction  for  sins,  are  contrary- 
to  the  gospel  and  doctrine  of  faith.     Wherefore,  vows  and 


21 

traditionary  observances  concerning  meats,  days,  &c.,  insti- 
tuted  to  merit  grace  ond  muke  satibfaction  for  sins  are  use- 
less and  contrary  to  ihe  gospel. 

AriicleXVl 

OF  POLITICAL  AFFAinS. 

In  regard  to  political  affairs  our  churches  teach,  that  le- 
ffitimate  political  enactments  are  good  works  of  God  ;  that 
It  is  lawful  for  christians  to  hold  civil  offices,  to  pronouncd 
judgment  and  decide  cases  according  to  the  imperial  and 
other  existing  laws  ;  to  inflict  panishmenf,  wage  just  wars 
and  serve  in  ihem  ;  to  make  lawful  contracts  ;  I  old  proper- 
ty ;  to  make  oath  when  required  by  the  magistrate,  to  mar- 
ty  and  be  married.  They  condemn  the  Anabaptists,  who 
interdict  to  christians  the  performance  of  these  civil  duties. 
They  also  condemn  those  who  make  evangelical  perfection 
bbnsists  not  in  the  fear  of  God  and  in  fuith,  but  in  the  aban- 
donment of  all  civil  duties:  because  the  gospel  teaches  the 
necessity  of  ceaseless  righteousness  of  heart,  whilst  it  does 
not  reject  the  duties  of  civil  and  domestic  life,  but  directs 
them  U)  be  observed  as  of  divine  appointment,  and  perform- 
ed in  the  spirit  of  christian  benevolence.  Hence  christians 
ought  necessarily  to  yield  obedience  to  the  civil  officers 
and  laws  of  the  land  ;  unless  they  should  commind  some- 
thing  sinful ;  in  which  case  it  is  a  duty  to  obey  God  rather 
than  man. 

Article  XVII. 

OF  Christ's  RETURN  TO  JUD6BMENT. 

Our  churches  also  teach,  that  at  the  end  of  the  world,  Christ  will  ap- 
pear for  judgment ;  that  he  will  raise  all  the  dead  ;  that  he  will  give  to 
the  pious  and  elect,  eternal  life  and  endless  joys  ;  but  will  condemn 
wicked  men  and  devils  to  be  punished  without  end.  They  reject  the 
opinionsofthe  Anabaptists,  who  maintain,  that  the  punishment  of 
devils  and  condemned  men,  will  have  an  end  :  In  like  manner  they 
condemn  those,  who  circulate  the  Judaizing  notion,  that  prior  to  the 
Resurrection  of  the  dead,  the  pious  will  engross  the  government  of  the 
world,  and  the  wicked  be  eVery  where  oppressed. 

Article  XVIII. 

,  OF  FREE  WILL. 

Concerning  free  will  our  churches  teach,  that  the  human  will  possess- 
es Some  liberty  for  the  performance  of  civil  duties,  and  for  the  choice  of 
those  things  Iving  within  the  control  of  reason.  But  it  does  not  possess 
the  power,  without  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  of  being  just  before 
God,  or  yielding  spiritual  obedience ;  for  the  natural  man  receiveth  not 
the  things  which  are  of  the  spirit  of  God  ;  but  this  is  accomplished  in 
the  heart,  when  th«  Holy  Spirit  is  received  through  the  word. 


22 

Article  AVA*. 

or  THB  AUTHOR  or  Rllf. 

6n  thid  Biilijcct  they  icmh,  thnt  although  God  la  the  crcntorand  pre- 
iicrver  of  universal  nature  ;  the  cnuse  of  tiiii  must  bo  sought  in  the  de- 
praved will  of  the  devil  nnd  wickrd  men,  which  when  destiiute  of  di- 
vine nid,  turns  itself  away  from  Ood;  ORrctably  to  the  declination  of 
Christ,  "  When  he  spealieth  a  lie,  he  speaketh  of  his  own."    John  8-44. 

Article   A'A*. 

OP  OOOD  WORKS. 

Our  (writers)  arc  falsely  accused  of  prohibliing  good  works.  Their 
publications  on  the  ten  comniandnienis  and  similar  Rubjccts.  show,  (hat 
thev  gnve  good  instructions  concerning  oil  the  didl'rent  stations  and 
nnd  duties  of  life,  and  explained  what  course  of  conduct  in 
any  particular  calling,  is  pleasing  to  Ood.  Concerning  these  things 
preachers  formerly  said  very  little,  but  urged  tlie  neccv^lty  of  puerUo 
and  useless  works :  such  as  certain  holydays,  fasts,  brotherhoods,  pfN 
grimngcs.  worship  of  saints,  rosaries,  monastic  vows,  dkc.  These  use* 
less  things,  our  adversaries,  having  been  admonished,  no  longer  teach 
as  formerly.  Moreover  they  now  begin  to  make  mention  of  faith, 
about  which  iluy  for nerly  observed  a  marvelous  silence.  They  now 
teach  that  we  arc  not  justified  by  faith  and  works.  This  doctrine  is 
more  tolerable  than  their  former  belief,  and  is  calculated  to  impart 
more  consolation  to  the  mind. 

inasmuch,  then,  as  the  doctrine  concerning  faith,  which  should  be 
regarded  as  the  principal  one  by  the  church,  had  so  long  been  unknown; 
for  all  must  confess,  that  concerning  the  righteousness  of  faith,  tbo 
most  profound  t-ilence  reigned  in  their  sermons,  and  the  doctrine  con< 
coming  works  alone  was  discussed  in  the  churches  ;  our  divines  havo 
admonished  the  churches  as  follows ; 

First,  that  our  works  cannot  reconcile  us  to  God,  or  merit  the  re* 
mission  of  sins,  or  grace,  or  justification  ;  but  that  this  we  can  obtain 
only  by  faith,  when  we  believe  that  we  are  accepted  by  grace,  for 
Christ's  sake  who  alone  is  appointed  our  mediator  and  propitiatory 
sacrifice,  by  which  the  Father  is  reconciled.  He,  therefore  whoe.\pecta 
to  merit  grace  by  his  works,  casts  contempt  on  the  merits  of  Christ, 
and  is  seeking  the  way  to  God,  in  his  own  strength,  without  the  Savior; 
who  nevertheless  has  told  us,  "  I  am  the  way,  tne  truth,  and  the  life." 

This  doctrine  concerning  faith,  is  incessantly  inculcated  by  tho 
Apostle  Paul.  Ephes.  2.  "Yo  are  saved  by  grace,  through  faith,  and 
that  not  of  yourselves,  it  is  the  gift  of  God."  &c. 

And  lest  any  should  cavil  at  our  interpretation  and  charge  it  with 
novelty,  we  state  that  this  whole  matter  is  supported  by  the  testimony 
of  the  Fathers. 

For  Augustine  devotes  several  volumes  to  the  defence  of  grace,  and 
the  righteousness  of  faith,  in  opposition  to  the  merit  of  good  works, 
and  Ambrosias,  on  the  calling  of  the  Gentiles,  &c.,  indicates  the  same 
doctrine. 

But  although  this  doctrine  is  despised  by  the  ignorant;  the  conscien- 
ces of  the  pious  and  timid  hnd  it  a  source  of  much  consolation,  for  they 
cannot  attain  tranquility  in  any  works,  but  in  faith  alone,  when  they 
entertain  .the  confidential  belief  that,  for  Christ's  sake, God  is  reconciled 
to  ihem.Thus  Paul  teaches  us,Rom.5."Being  justified  by  Iniih  we  havo 
peace  with  God."  This  whole  doctrine  must  be  referred  to  the  conflict 
in  the  conscience  of  the  alarmed  sinner,  nor  can  it  be  otlierwisu  under- 
stood. 


23 

Honcfi  the  ignorant  and  worldy  inindt  d  arc  much  mistaken,  wh(^ 
vainly  imnpinc  that  the  riL'hteouffnesH  of  the  chiiatiiin  is  nothing  elw 
than  what  is  common  ana  m  the  language  of  philo  iophy  is  termed  mo- 
rality. 

Formerly  the  consciences  of  men  were  hnrrasaed  by  the  doctrine  of 
worliB,  nor  did  tlu?y  receive  any  consolation  from  the  gospel,  ^ome 
fullowd  the  dictates  of  conscience  into  deserts,  and  into  monasteries; 
lioping  ihrre  to  merit  the  divine  favor  by  a  monastic  life.  Others  in> 
vented  difl'ereiit  Kinds  of  works,  to  merit  grace,  and  make  satisfaction 
for  their  sins. 

There  wos  therefore  the  utmost  necessity,  that  this  doctrine  con- 
cerning folih  in  Christ,  should  bo  inculcated  anew  ;  in  order  that  tim- 
id  minds  nn;>ht  find  consolation,  and  know,  llint  justification  and  the 
rendsi^on  of  sins,  are  obtained  by  faith  in  the  Savior. 

The  peoplr  ore  also  now  instructed,  that  faith  does  no*  "ignify  a  mere 
historical  lielief,  such  as  wicked  men  and  devils  have ;  but  that  in  ad- 
dition to  histoHcal  U  lief,  it  includes  nn  acquaintance  with  the  conse- 
2uence8  of  the  history,  such  as  remission  of  sins  by  grace  througli, 
'hrist,  righteousness,  &c. 

Now  he  who  knows  that  the  Father  is  reconciled  to  him  through  tho 
Son,  possesses  a  true  acquaintance  with  God,  confides  in  Ids  provi- 
dence and  calls  upon  his  nnmo;  and  is  therefore  not  without  God,  as 
ore  the  Gentiles.  For  the  devil  and  wicked  men  cmmot  believe  the  ar-i 
tide  concerning  the  remission  of  sins.  But  they  hale  God  as  an  ene-. 
my,  do  not  call  upon  his  name,  nor  expect  any  ihing  good  at  his  hands. 

Augustine,  in  speaking  of  the  the  word  faith,  ndmonii^hes  the  reader 
that  In  scripture  tliis  word  does  not  signify  mere  knowledge,  such  as 
wicked  men  possess,  but  that  confidence  or  trust  by  which  alarmed 
sinners  are  comforted  and  lifted  up. 

We  moreover  teach  that  the  performance  of  good  works  is  necesfa-. 
ry,  because  it  is  commanded  of  God,  and  not  because  we  expect  to 
merit  groce  by  them.  Pardon  of  sins  and  grace  ore  obtainet".  only  by 
faith.  And  because  the  Holy  Spirit  is  received  by  faith  ;  the  heart  of 
man  is  renovated  and  new  aflectionH  produced,  that  he  may  be  able  tQ 
perform  good  works.  Accordingly  Ambrosius  states,  faith  Ih  the 
source  of  holy  volitions  and  an  upright  life. 

For  the  faculties  of  man,  unaided  By  the  Holy  Spirit,  Ere  replete  with 
sinful  propensities,  and  too  feeble  to  perform  works  that  are  good  in  th^ 
sight  of  God.  They  are  moreover  under  the  influence  of  Satan,  who 
urges  men  to  various  crimes,  and  impious  opinions  and  manifest  offen- 
ces; as  may  be  seen  in  the  examples  of  the  philosophers  who  though 
they  endeavored  to  lead  perfectly  moral  lives,  failed  to  accomplish  their 
design,  and  were  guilty  of  many  notorious  crimes. 

Such  is  the  imbecility  of  man,  when  he  undertakes  to  govern  himself 
by  his  own  strength,  without  faith  and  the  Holy  spirit. 

From  all  this  it  is  manifest,  that  our  doctrine,  instead  of  deserving 
censure  for  the  prohibition  of  good  works,  ought  much  rather  to  be  ap* 
plauded,  for  teaching  the  manner  in  which  truly  good  v/orks  can  oe 

fterformed.  For  without  faith,  human  nature  is  incapable  of  perform^ 
ng  the  duties  either  of  the  first  or  second  table.  Without  it,  man  does 
not  call  upon  God,  nor  expect  any  thing  from  him ;  but  seeks  refuse 
amongst  men  and  reposes  on  human  aid. 

Hence,  when  faith  and  confidence  in  Grod  are  wanting,  all  evil  de- 
sires and  human  schemes  reign  in  the  heart ;  as  Christ  says,  <•  with- 
out me  ye  can  do  nothing,"  John  15.,  and  the  church  responds,  with* 
out  thy  fjivor,  there  is  nothing  good  in  man. 


i 


MM 


a4 

Artide  XXI. 

•  <nPtHK  IllVOCATION  or  0AIKTS. 

Ckinceming  the  invocation  of  saiqjts,  our  churches  teach,  that  the 
■aints  ought  to  be  held  in  remombrance(.in  order  that  we  may,  each  in 
hit  own  calling,  imitate  their  faith  and  ^"iio4  works ;  that  the  emperpr 
nuMiy  imitate  ihe  example  of  David,  in  carryini;  on  war  to  expel  the 
Tuna  fifom  our  country;  for  both  are  kings.  But  the  sacred  vplume 
does  not  teach  us  to  iiivoke  saints  or  to  seek  aid  from  them.  For  it 
proposes  Christ  to  us  «ui  our  only  mediator,  propitiator,  high  priest  and 
intercessor.  On  his  name  we  are  to  call,  and  he  promises,  that  he  will 
hear'-Ml*  prayers,  and  highly  approvesFofthis  worship,  viz.  that  he 
should  be  called  upon  in^very  affliction,  1  John  2;  **  If  any  oniB  bIDj 
we  have  an  advocate  with  the  Father,"  4&c.   ^  /• 

PRAYERS  FOR  THE  USE  OP  CHILDREN.  '*'*        ' 


A  MORNING  PRATES. 

Almighty  God,  the  maker  of  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth!  the 
darfcneiM  goes  away  and  the  daylight  comes  at  thy  command,  Thou^ 
art  good,  and  thou  doest  good  continually.  I  thank  thee,  that  thou 
hast  taken  care  of  me  throueh  the  night,  and  that  I  am  alive  and  welt, 
this  moriUng.  Save  me  O  Lord,  from  aH  evil  this  day,  and  let  me  love 
and  s^rve  thee  forever.  Bestow  upon  me  every  good  thing  that  I  need, 
mal^  me  always  afraid  to  ofiend  thee,  and  let  me  live  and  die  in  thy  &- 
voh  Hear  my  prayers,  O  Lord,  and  pardon  my  errors  and  sins,  fcr  thB 
aiitt  qf  Jesus  Gtuiitj  my  hmd  and  Savior.    Our  Fathei^  ^c. 


AM  BVBMtNO  PaAVS9, 

Blessed  and  glorious  Gtod,  the  Father  and  Preserver  of  men !  thou , 
Mt  about  my  path  and  my  bed,  and  knowest  all  my  ways  and  wants. — 
bBok  upon  me  this  night  with  thy  favor;  pardon  whatever  in  me  isi 
wrong;  guard  me  by  thy  power  and  goodness;  in^ne  ma  ever  to 
tmk»  k  my  delight  to  do  thy  will.  Preserve  toA  defend,  lUcewisSi^O 
LmA,  libaseech  thee,  my  dear  parents  and  n^ailMis,  friends  and  bene' 
tt^n^totteiher  widi  aU  that  are  under  tM8<  roof ;  and  help  m  and  aH 
people  to  loye,  and  fear,  and  obey  thoe,  that  thou  mayest  tove,  aad 
tmm  vm,  and  make  us  Iwppy  in  tloa  world  and  in  that  which  is  to 
MJM,  acoontiagto  thy  mercy  in  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord  and  Savior. 
'J^  i'^jj^lMr  whieb^avt  in  heaven,  dbc. 


I 


A  G«ACX  BEFOBB  MEALS. 

ginetliy,  O  Lord,  these  gifts  of  thy  providence  to  our  iise,  and  ena^ 
us  to  rc^vethem  with  a  aense  of  thy  tove  to  us  and  to  all  mankind. 

.  A  6BACE  AFTEE  MEALS. 

.  t  omr  thaBiM,  O  Lord  for  these,  and  all  other  blessings  of  tbf 
096,  thiouf^  Clutet  our  Redeemer.    . 


THE  END. 


M 


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id  Savior. 


and  ena^- 
maniiiiid. 

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